colourant crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "colourant" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you to the perfect fit for your puzzle.
Solutions for "colourant crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
DYE: A substance used to add color to materials like fabrics, hair, or paper.
INK: A colored fluid or paste used for writing, drawing, printing, or tattooing.
4 Letters
TINT: A slight degree of a colour; a shade, often used to color something lightly.
5 Letters
STAIN: A discoloration that is not easily removed, or a substance used to color or tint, especially wood.
7 Letters
PIGMENT: A natural coloring matter, or a dry insoluble substance (usually powdered) used to give color to paints, inks, and other materials.
9 Letters
COCHINEAL: A vivid red dye obtained from female cochineal insects, historically used for food and textiles.
More About "colourant crossword clue"
The term "colourant" broadly refers to any substance used to impart colour. In the world of crosswords, this clue often points to common materials like DYE, INK, or PIGMENT, but can also lead to more specific answers such as STAIN, TINT, or even historical and natural colourants like COCHINEAL. The context of the surrounding letters and the specific puzzle's theme usually helps narrow down the possibilities.
Understanding the subtle differences between these colourants can be key. For instance, a 'dye' typically penetrates and permanently alters the colour of a material, while a 'pigment' usually forms a surface layer. 'Ink' is a type of liquid colourant often used for writing or printing, and 'stain' might imply a deeper penetration or a lasting mark. Knowing these distinctions not only helps solve the current clue but also improves your overall crossword vocabulary.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count: Always verify the number of letters required for the answer. This is your most immediate filter for potential solutions.
- Consider Synonyms: For "colourant," think of its various synonyms like 'dye', 'pigment', 'hue', 'shade', 'tint', 'stain'. Crossword setters love to use synonyms.
- Look for Specificity: Does the clue have an adjective (e.g., "red colourant," "fabric colourant")? This can guide you to a more precise answer, like 'HENNA' or 'INDIGO'.
- Review Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, an intersecting word will give you a crucial letter or confirm a suspicion about a difficult clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a colourant?
A colourant is any substance that imparts colour to another material. This can include dyes, pigments, inks, stains, or even natural extracts used for colouring food, textiles, or other products.
How can I distinguish between a dye and a pigment for crosswords?
While both are colourants, dyes typically dissolve in a liquid and chemically bond with the material they colour, resulting in a deep, uniform shade. Pigments, on the other hand, are insoluble particles that are suspended in a medium and form a layer on the surface of the material, often providing opacity. Crossword clues often hint at these properties, e.g., 'fabric colourant' for DYE or 'paint ingredient' for PIGMENT.
Are there natural colourants used in crosswords?
Yes, crosswords frequently feature natural colourants. Examples include 'HENNA' (for hair or skin), 'INDIGO' (a blue dye from plants), or 'OCHRE' (an earthy pigment). Knowing common natural sources of colour can be a great help.